Does Spinal Stenosis Go Away Without Treatment? And 3 More Things To Know

Spinal stenosis does not go away on its own. Symptoms typically start slowly and worsen over time without treatment. Understanding what causes spinal stenosis, what symptoms to watch for and what treatment options are available can help you take the right steps toward relief.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space within your spinal canal. This most often occurs in the lower back and neck. It can put pressure on the spinal cord and/or the nerves that travel through your spine.

Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis, which is referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. With osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage between your joints deteriorates or breaks down so there is less cushion between the bones. Cartilage allows joints to move smoothly against one another and absorbs the shock of movement.

As the cartilage breaks down, someone suffering from osteoarthritis might experience swelling, pain and issues associated with joint movement. Cartilage cells are not able to regenerate, so over time, bones may start to chip or break down, or develop growths called bone spurs. Bone spurs that develop on the vertebrae can extend into the spinal canal, which can pinch spinal cord and/or nerves in the spine.

Herniated discs also are a common cause of spinal stenosis.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Some people with spinal stenosis have no symptoms at all. Others experience a range of symptoms that can vary depending on where the narrowing occurs in the spine.

Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Sciatica
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Neck pain
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Weakness or clumsiness in the arm or hand
• Problems with balance
• Loss of function in hands

These symptoms can worsen over time. As spinal stenosis progresses, walking may become more difficult or painful. Some people also develop a limp or unsteadiness.

Does spinal stenosis go away on its own?

No. Spinal stenosis will not go away without treatment. Symptoms usually begin gradually and tend to worsen over time if left unaddressed. Seeking medical evaluation early gives you the best chance of managing symptoms effectively before they significantly impact your daily life.

How is spinal stenosis treated?

Most people with spinal stenosis do not need surgery. A doctor will likely first recommend at-home remedies and non-surgical treatments to relieve pain.

Non-surgical spinal stenosis treatment options include:

• Applying heat and/or cold
• Exercises to strengthen muscles
• Over-the-counter pain relievers that include ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen
• Physical therapy
• Epidural steroid injections

When Is Surgery Needed for Spinal Stenosis?

Surgery for spinal stenosis is considered when non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate relief. Surgery involves removing portions of bone, ligament or disc that are pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.

Surgical options for spinal stenosis include:

• Laminectomy. Removing a portion of the vertebra (and possibly some ligaments and bone spurs) to make room for the spinal cord and/or nerves to relieve symptoms.
• Foraminotomy. Removing a small part of the foramen, which is the bony opening in the vertebrae where the nerve roots exit in order to provide more space for the nerve roots.
• Discectomy. Removing disc bulges or herniations that are causing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves in order to make more room for them to breathe.
• Spinal fusion. This procedure is generally performed if you have spinal instability and it is a last resort. Spinal fusion surgery permanently fuses two vertebrae together. The healing process takes six months to one year.

Laminectomy and foraminotomy are better suited for patients whose primary problem is narrowing from bone or ligament overgrowth, while discectomy works best when disc herniation is the main cause of compression. Spinal fusion is reserved for cases where structural instability is also a concern.

Can spinal stenosis get worse over time?

Yes. Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition. Without treatment, symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness and difficulty walking tend to worsen gradually over time.

What happens if spinal stenosis is left untreated?

If spinal stenosis goes untreated, symptoms can worsen and may eventually affect your ability to walk, maintain balance or perform everyday tasks. In severe cases, it can lead to significant nerve damage or loss of bladder and bowel control, which requires urgent medical attention.

Who is most at risk for developing spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis most commonly affects people over 50, as osteoarthritis and general spinal wear and tear increase with age. People with a history of spine injuries, herniated discs or certain inherited spinal conditions may also be at higher risk.